Ottawa, ON — As the Canadian summer heat approaches, a new report states that more than 68 per cent of Canadian households are using air conditioning or similar cooling equipment like heat pumps in 2025.
This data comes from the Canadian Social Survey (CSS) – Quality of Life and Energy Consumption Behaviours, which collected information on heating, cooling, water use, electricity and energy-saving vehicles from Feb. 14 to April 6.
While 68 per cent of households reported having an air conditioning unit in 2025, the actual percentage varied across Canada. The varying factors included period of dwelling construction, tenancy and household income.
Specifically, 83 per cent of households in Ontario were more likely to use an air conditioner, while 45 per cent of B.C. households were less likely.
The report also highlighted how people living in newly built homes from 2001 and later were more likely (80 per cent) to report having an air conditioner compared to homes built initially before 1960 (58 per cent).
Additionally, access to an air conditioner was more likely among homeowners (76 per cent) compared to renters (52 per cent). Households with higher incomes (more than $150,000 before tax) were also more likely (82 per cent) to report having an air conditioner compared to households with lower incomes (55 per cent among households earning less than $50,000 before taxes).
Fifty-one per cent of homes with an air conditioner also reported turning it off or down while away to conserve energy in 2025. Households in the Prairies and B.C. (56 per cent respectively) were the most likely to do so.
Additionally, 82 per cent of Canadians stated that the reason for turning down their units was to avoid wasting energy.